Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

The Best of the Pre-Boxing Day Sales

This week my inbox has been FLOODED with emails of early access to Boxing Day sales. If you had bought your Christmas and New Years outfit last week, you would have possibly cried. Except, I did a little research and some of the items that I bought for Christmas Day are sold out or still not on sale yet. Phew!

Whenever I find out I’ve missed out on a sale and have paid full price, I counteract the negativity by reasoning with myself that that’s the cost of wanting an item NOW. I remember this time last year, waiting for  dress to go on sale, only to have it completely sell out and I missed out. I still think about that dress. I need to get over it!

Anyway, if you still have some spare cash that you want to burn, I’ve found the best of the best in the pre-boxing day sales. I’ve only included online shops that I shop from all the time online. My four favourite go-to shops for online purchases are ASOS, Birdsnest, Bohemian Traders and Erin Louise. I’ve only featured these brands in my collection. Some stores will wait until Boxing Day to release their sales so don’t fret and think you need to get your purchases done now when you have so much to organize for Christmas Day.

best pre-boxing day sales

1. Adrift Aquila Dress in Navy $69.95

2. Metalicus Wattle Trench Coat $149.95

3. Wish Tales Blouse $50

4. ASOS Black Embroidered Top $30

5. Adrift Aquila Shirtmaker Dress in Ocean $59.95

6. ASOS Shift Dress in Mono-stripe $30

7. Bohemian Traders Festival Top in Red White Stripe $79

8. Erin Louise Down to Shine Rose Gold Top $60 – but down to $36 when you enter CHRISTMAS at the checkout.

9. Bohemian Traders Boxy Sunlace Boxy Top $59

10. Cordelia St Seafoam Polka Dot Tee $39.95

When I go to Boxing Day Sales I tend to use these sales to purchase items I need currently, items I will need for Autumn/Winter next year and items that I love and can’t walk away from. I love Styling You’s post on how to attack the sales at this time of year. I nodded my head in agreement with all her tips.

If you are pregnant, (as I was three times over Christmas) I would use the Boxing Day sales as a time to invest in buying breastfeeding friendly tops. Bohemian Traders have deep v tops  are perfect for breastfeeding and they are cool enough to wear through summer, when feeding can be a bit hot and sticky. Currently the Deep V tops are down to $39 on Bohemian Traders. I would usually get a black and white top as basics.

Bohemian Traders Deep V Top

If you’re all sorted fashion wise, I want to thank you for reading my blog this year. I enjoy sharing my fashion style and tips with you. The best thing you can spend this Boxing Day is time with your loved ones.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I won’t be blogging here until the New Year, but you can still follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my #everydaystyle outfits.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Celebrating 2 Years of #everydaystyle in Style

On Saturday, I went to one of the best blogging events to date. That sounds like a big call, but I reckon it was up there with some of the best events I’ve been invited to since being a blogger. And before you think I’ve been invited to many events… I can count on two hands the amount of events I have been invited to.

Every day since I had Phoebe, I have taken a photo of my outfit. I have missed some days if I haven’t had time to get a photo, but generally taking an #everydaystyle photo and uploading it to Facebook and Instagram has become part of my everyday morning routine.

I don’t do it for likes or compliments. I do it to show a normal version of a mum at home with her kids. There are days where I look tired and frumpy and other days I could give Megan Gale a run for her money.

Nikki from Styling You created the #everydaystyle hashtag two years ago and a community of fashion savvy women have embraced the hashtag and friendships have developed from it.

To celebrate the 2 year anniversary, Nikki organized a lunch for the ladies who take part regularly using the hashtag.

It was an event I did not want to miss because if you follow Nikki’s Instagram feed, she’s a woman who knows good food and how to have a good time.

Prior to the event, I was worried about where the heck I was going to park. I had opted to park at the Myer Centre which I hate parking in but do it because I know I’m guaranteed a park and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg compared to some other parks in the city.

As luck would have it, I missed the turn off into the city and had to go over the Storey Bridge and that little mistake turned into a good call because I decided I’d park under Queens Plaza and for an extra $10 I got valet parking which meant I didn’t need to park the car, the valet did it for me. It was the perfect place to park because I pretty much walked through Queens Plaza, across the Queen Street Mall, through the Wintergarden and straight into the Hilton. Don’t you love when mistakes work out in the end?

Anyway, the lunch was held on the pool terrace and I got to catch up with bloggers I regularly read online, as well as meet new faces. Most of whom I follow on Instagram and know via their Instagram name, not their real one.

Trying to pose with the Style Balloons

Trying to pose with the Style Balloons

 

Take 2

Take 2

 

Take 3

Take 3

 

Take 4

Take 4

 

Take 5, Stuff it I'll just hold onto S.

Take 5, Stuff it I’ll just hold onto S.

 

Everydaystyle Lunch at the Hilton

 

Bev from Iris May Style and me

Bev from Iris May Style and me

 

I got to sit next to Lauren from Sand castles and Paper Crowns and we worked out we crossed paths at the same church over a decade prior. I couldn’t believe it!

I had Sue from Madam Cassowary on the other side who I regularly see sharing her #everydaystyle pics.

Lunch was served and it looked stylish.

Lunch Hilton Brisbane

We got tips on how to pose in our photos and where to place our hands. We had to practice and I did give it a go on Sunday but I felt too serious and didn’t end up sharing it. I’ll share it here though as proof that I practiced what I was taught.

My serious pose.

My serious pose.

After the tutorial, dessert was served.

Dessert Hilton Brisbane

Nikki pre-warned us that we would be getting a lucky door prize. I thought it would be some sort of sample beauty product because how can you give 30 decent raffle prizes away? Nikki from Styling You did. She turned into Oprah and gave everyone a super stylish gift. The prizes were AMAZING. Gift vouchers and accessories and clothes and shoes… it was like Christmas had come early.

I received these fabulous Turkish Towels from Knotty Towels. I had to laugh because as you know I write a plumbing blog and love all things homewares and I got TURKISH TOWELS! I have had Turkish Towels on my wish list since they became a trend. I absolutely love them and can’t wait to use them. I’m also thinking they’re a great towel alternative for the beach.

After lunch we congregated down at the bar to chat. I left a bit abruptly because the valet closed at 5pm. Unfortunately; I left with a headache which turned into a migraine. I was in bed as soon as I got home before wishing bloggers well in Sydney while they partied it up at the Kidspot Gala at Luna Park.

As wonderful as the event was, what made it fabulous were the women who came. All sporting individual looks and carrying themselves with confidence. The shoes everyone was wearing were insane! On Friday, I headed to Jo Mercer and bought these because I needed a heel that I could walk in. It is a skill to walk in a stiletto heel. I still can’t do it. The big trends in shoes at the lunch were tassels and gladiator style heels.

Special thanks has to go to Nikki and her assistant who put on a fabulous event. We received a Louenhide purse and notebook with our name tags which were such a generous touch to an already amazing event. Thank you to the Hilton for the delicious lunch and to Olympus who sponsored my bubbles (and everyone elses’s).

 

How awesome were the place settings?

How awesome were the place settings?

Styling You and Styled by Bec

Nikki and I

Anyone can take part in #everydaystyle. It’s just a matter of taking a picture of what you’re wearing and uploading it to Instagram, using the hashtag. The group is an inclusive one, not exclusive.

Thank you also to Vizcosa, who dressed me for the event. I’m also giving away a Kaftan from the Vizcosa range up to the value of $249.99. Head to this post to enter.

Have you ever been to an event that blew you away? Ever made a mistake that turned out better in the end?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT

How to Shop For Yourself With Little Kids in Tow

In the last couple of weeks, I have had to go shopping to get some new shoes with my girls in tow. Usually I purchase a lot of my clothes online, but when it comes to shoes, I really need to try them on before I buy them. My feet are wide near the toes and narrow at the ankle which makes it hard to find the right fit. My feet have also grown to a size 10 due to pregnancy.

A lot of my sandals from last season were a size 9 or the sole was so thin, they offered little support or cushioning to my feet.

The situation was looking dire in my shoe wardrobe and I was avoiding wearing certain dresses and skirts because I didn’t have the right footwear to go with them.

The only option was to go shopping and take my 1 year old and 2 year old with me.

Fun times.

I was able to get what I needed and get my shoes but it did take a few trips and a bit of research. I’ve put together some tips on how to shop for yourself with little kids in tow.

shoe shopping

  1. Take a list of what you need and make sure you take this with you when you go shopping. If you go grocery shopping or need to run errands, take the kids with you to browse as part of your research.
  2. Realise that if you do take your kids shopping, the time will be limited as your kid will get restless and want to get out of their confines. Usually an hour to 2 hours maximum is what my girls will cope with before they complain and ask for a milkshake, toy or play on the indoor playground. Make peace that you might have to make a couple of trips to get what you need.
  3. Whether they understand it or not, explain to your kids that you’re going shopping to get mummy shoes or clothes when you drive into the carpark. Explain it won’t take too long, but they will need to be patient as mummy tries on some clothes. Maggie understood me when I told her, but Phoebe had no clue and just grinned at me. Explaining what you’re doing prepares them for what is about to happen.
  4. Choose your vehicle of choice in the shopping centre. For me, I chose to take my double seater pram so I could strap Phoebe and Maggie in. This means they are contained when going in and out of shops and when you try on clothes/shoes. If you’re buying a few pairs of shoes, you might opt to use a trolley because of the shoe boxes.
  5. When you head to the change room, use the wheelchair access cubicle when offered. Most assistants automatically offer this so you can wheel your pram/trolley in with you.
  6. When shoe shopping, let out your toddler if you can trust they will remain in the shop. Beware that your toddler may rearrange a shoe display. Apologise to the sales assistant and arrange the display back to how it was. Most sales people will happily oblige to doing the rearranging themselves so it gives them something to do during a slow weekday.
  7. Have snacks and mini toys on hand to distract your kids while trying on clothes and shoes.
  8. Don’t push your kids past their limit. If they are crying and carrying on, put a stop to the shopping and take them to the parents room for some time out/change of scenery or to an indoor playground if there is one in the shopping centre. If your kids start tantruming while you’re browsing you are most likely going to make you rush to get your purchase.
  9. Reward your kids for their patience by allowing them to play on the indoor play equipment or buying morning tea/lunch after you’ve finished.
Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine

Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine

 

Thinks she's pretty cool

Thinks she’s pretty cool

 

Shopping with kids

 

How do you like to shop for clothes and shoes? Do you take your kids with you? Have any tips to share with other mums how you cope taking your kids shopping when you’re shopping for yourself?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

What I wore to the Problogger Conference Networking Event – SHINE

I keep an open mind when I go shopping for an outfit. When I heard the theme for the Problogger Networking Event on Friday night was “Shine”, I immediately thought sequins and sparkles. I didn’t contemplate Hi Vis gear or a bright colour. I went about putting this post together and I was contemplating whether to buy a new outfit on a tight budget or wear my old faithful jumpsuit and sequin bolero.

Unfortunately, the black jumpsuit didn’t suit my new shape. This is a good thing as I’ve lost weight but it didn’t help my situation for an outfit. I headed to ASOS and I did a big search on sequin dresses. And this navy maternity dress came up.

All the sizes were available and I decided to order it in. I have returned clothes to ASOS in the past with no issues on refunds.

The dress fit perfectly, although it did point out my need for a new bra now that I’ve started to wean Phoebe off breastfeeding.

The extra material camouflaged my tummy and I dressed it up with opaque tights and navy suede, low heel pumps. The necklace is my mum’s.

I'm wearing a size 14

I’m wearing a size 14

The dress was $34 plus shipping and is still available online if you love the style. The dress kept me warm as the party was held outside near the pool.

I would be reluctant to purchase the dress if I was pregnant. The bust is quite firm and fitted. If I was pregnant, this dress wouldn’t have fit me because of the bust alone.

Other than that, I did worry about looking like a disco ball but once I got talking to friends and meeting new people, I found my groove.

Did you go to Problogger on the weekend? Do you sometimes venture into the maternity section of online stores to get a better fit?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Disclaimer:There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase this dress, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 

When in doubt choose MONOCHROME

A couple of weeks ago I attended a semi-formal Awards night where I was given the honor of presenting an award. The pressure was on to find a frock that would be suitable for the occasion. I didn’t want anything to showy or sparkly. I wanted to look professional, yet stylish.

I love to wear colour so I had that thought in my head as I went to the shops to get a dress that would suit the dress code.

But I couldn’t find anything I liked. I tried on so many dresses and I wasn’t happy with the fit or the colour.

Finally I entered a Veronika Maine store and tried on this monochrome floral dress and it turned out to be just what I was after.

Bec at Migas Awards1

Bec Front on

 

Ironically, Veronika Maine is usually the first place I take clients if they are looking for a dress for a special occasion, and when I was styling myself, it was the last shop I walked into.

I belted the dress to show off my shape and wore heels to elongate my legs.

The whole experience taught me one lesson. If you can’t find what you are after, when in doubt choose monochrome.

Most women tend to choose a little black dress for a semi-formal occasion, but if you are after something different and a colour scheme that will work every time, go monochrome.

Monocrhome Dresses for Spring 2015 Styled by Bec1. Boo Radley Contrast Detail Shift Dress

2. The Iconic Fifi Dress

3. Belle Bird Colour Block Shift Dress

4. Bird Keepers Spot Dress (Navy)

5. MNG Mono floral Dress

6. ASOS Paslin Plus Body Con Dress

Monochrome dresses usually go with a black blazer that you may already own in your wardrobe and a pair of black heels. Why not check out last week’s post where Nicole did just that with her dress. If you love colour, add it using your accessories in one bold, block colour.

Are you a fan of the monochrome dress? Do you gravitate towards colours or black and white when you shop?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item on here, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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